100% of Canned Food Tested for Bisphenol A (BPA) Safe to Consume

As part of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) routine testing of various food products, a survey released today reported that all of the canned foods tested for Bisphenol A (BPA) were safe to consume. BPA was not detected in 98.5 per cent of canned foods analyzed in this survey.

In 2011-12, the CFIA tested 403 canned samples of domestic and imported fruits, vegetables, juices, other beverages, legumes, pasta, and soups for BPA, as these products are likely packaged in cans treated with epoxy coatings. Imported samples came from 15 different countries.

Low levels (parts per billion or ppb) of BPA were only detected in six of the canned food samples analyzed as part of this survey. The survey results were reviewed by Health Canada and no safety concerns were identified. Results were comparable to those from previous surveys of BPA in similar types of foods available on the Canadian market. No product recalls were required as a result of this survey.

Quick Facts

BPA in food packaging materials is permitted in Canada. BPA is a chemical used in the production of polycarbonate and epoxy resins. Food and beverage packaging, particularly metal cans, may be internally coated with epoxy resins to protect food from direct contact with metal. BPA can migrate from the epoxy coatings into food, particularly at elevated temperatures (for example, in hot-filled or heat-processed canned foods).

Based on the average concentration of BPA for the positive samples of canned vegetables from this survey, an adult would need to consume approximately 14 kg of canned vegetables each day (approximately 50 servings) to reach an exposure to BPA that may pose a safety concern.

Health Canada has concluded that the current dietary exposure to BPA through food packaging is not expected to pose a health risk to the general population, including newborns and young children. This conclusion has been re-affirmed by other international food regulatory agencies, such as those in the United States and the European Union.

This survey provides valuable baseline surveillance data that may be used by Health Canada to update the estimated exposure of the Canadian population to BPA through food consumption.